South Tyneside marine experts export knowledge to China

Marine experts in South Tyneside and China have proved they are not oceans apart when it comes to building links and sharing knowledge.

Two lecturers from Qingdao Ocean Shipping Mariners College (QMC) in Shangdong Province, eastern China, recently visited South Shields Marine School to fact find.

Li Bin and Zhang Gang were given access to the world-renowned training centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its multi-million pound full mission-bridge and engine room simulators.

They also spent time with marine lecturers to learn about teaching methods and to discuss the modern day demands of the maritime industry, including how China will translate its on-going economic boom into sea-faring capacity.

Gary Hindmarch, principal of South Shields Marine School, said that the world’s pressing demand for more qualified seafarers could lead to opportunities for training in South Tyneside and Qingdao.

He said: “There is a large and increasing demand for mariners due mainly to the world’s reliance on shipping and the impending economic growth.

“As a distinguished training centre, South Shields Marine School is always looking to improve its international links.

“The visit has been very beneficial to the marine school and to Mr Li and Mr Zhang, and hopefully it will help to improve further the links between our two centres.”

The marine school began its association with QMC, which is operated by China Ocean Shipping Company, known as Cosco, with a small staff visit in 2005.

A number of other visits have followed and Mr Hindmarch will travel there in April 2014 to further cement ties.

Lecturers Michelle Thompson and Trevor Torbett will then visit in May for a trip which will include a lecture to 300 Chinese marine students.

Of his visit, Mr Zhang said: “There are differences in the way the training centres operate but there are many similarities as well.

“It has been a very enjoyable visit and we have learned a lot. It is important such links are in place.”